LeMeridien Hotels is one of the upscale brands in the Starwood portfolio, very similar to the Westin brand. I’ve stayed at a few LeMeridien hotels and like their flair and style – read more to find out what experience to expect!
So, who are they? The LeMeridien brand was acquired in 2005 from a French company. That explains, why most of the 100 hotels are in Europe and Asia. It is an upscale, full-service brand that is very similar to the Westin brand, maybe a touch more stylish.
In their own words, “Le Méridien is a Paris-born global hotel brand, currently represented by close to 100 properties in over 40 countries worldwide. Le Méridien aims to target the creative and curious-minded traveler: an audience eager to experience something new in every destination and discover things with a new perspective. A curated approach towards culture, the arts, and cuisine unlocks the destination for Le Méridien guests in special and inspiring ways. Signature to the experience is Le Méridien Hub – the brand’s unique lobby concept where a café inspired atmosphere and high impact art, music, and food & beverage experiences set the scene for guests to socialize and exchange ideas in a curated environment, and our Unlock Art program offering free access to local cultural institutions. Le Méridien is more than a hotel, it’s your key to unlocking unique destinations around the globe.”
That language is a little more flowery than you’d expect from a hotel company, but does offer some insight into the brand. They do offer hotels in more unusual and cultural destinations than Westin, for example in Angkor Wat, Cambodia or Chiang Rai, Thailand. And they do show a more artsy touch than you’ll find in a Westin or Sheraton!
Just recently, Marriott made a bid to acquire the Starwood group and it will be interesting to see what happens to the plethora of brands in the two groups. LeMeridien has its own character, but is certainly very close to Westin!
What experience can I expect? The LeMeridien hotels offer a modern and stylish experience with a touch of flair you’d expect from a Paris-borne hotel chain! The lobbies and public areas are often pretty grand and the rooms are luxurious. You often find artwork representative of the destination – rather than the almost sterile standards often found in American chains.
They are upscale, full-service hotels, similar to the Westin or JW Marriott chains and you can expect all the services and amenities. From bell boys and concierges to full-service restaurants and room service, pool and gym, to business center service and meeting rooms.
I’ve enjoyed my stays at LeMeridien hotels and over the years, they have become more reliable in the quality standards, so I do recommend adding them to your list and they are high on my list of chains when looking for an upscale hotel!
LeMeridien participates in the Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) Rewards program, so you can earn and use your hotel points at over 1,200 properties worldwide.
To see more photos and get a better idea of the experience you can expect, you can read my reviews of aloft properties:
LeMeridien Angkor Wat, Cambodia